Position Summary AMF Technical Product Manager (TPM) - Workhorse Automation is responsible for defining and executing the product strategy, technology roadmap, and commercial direction of Workhorse Automation. Serving as the voice of the customer and market, this role drives profitable growth through new product development, portfolio management, innovation, and strategic technology investments.
Workhorse Automation is AMF's industrial automation business, providing integrated solutions for bakeries and food manufacturers, including product handling, pan handling, depanning, product loading and unloading, robotic applications, conveying systems, automated material movement, and plant-wide automation systems. The TPM works closely with customers and cross-functional teams to identify market opportunities, develop differentiated solutions, and ensure the Workhorse portfolio remains competitive, innovative, and aligned with AMF's long-term growth objectives.
This position serves as a key link between customers, commercial teams, engineering, and operations to develop automation solutions that improve throughput, labor efficiency, product quality, and operational performance.
Roles and ResponsibilitiesProduct Strategy & Portfolio Management- Own and maintain the Workhorse Automation product strategy and three- to five-year technology roadmap.
- Identify emerging customer needs, market trends, and automation opportunities that drive future growth.
- Evaluate, prioritize, and champion new products, features, and enhancements that strengthen market position and customer value.
- Lead portfolio reviews, lifecycle management activities, and product rationalization efforts.
- Define product positioning and value propositions for target markets and applications.
New Product Development & Innovation- Lead new product development initiatives from concept through commercialization.
- Define product requirements, technical specifications, and business objectives.
- Partner with Engineering and Operations to ensure successful execution of product development programs.
- Drive continuous improvement through customer feedback, performance analysis, and value engineering.
- Evaluate emerging technologies and adjacent market opportunities for portfolio expansion.
Commercial Leadership- Own pricing strategy, pricing governance, and profitability targets across the portfolio.
- Develop business cases and investment justifications for new products and technology initiatives.
- Monitor portfolio performance, revenue growth, margins, and market competitiveness.
- Support strategic quoting activities and major customer opportunities to ensure technically sound and commercially viable solutions.
Customer & Market Engagement- Serve as the primary technical authority for the Workhorse Automation portfolio.
- Support customers and commercial teams in identifying the best automation solutions for their operational requirements.
- Participate in customer visits, site evaluations, and strategic opportunity reviews.
- Monitor competitive activity, market dynamics, and industry trends to identify growth opportunities and strategic priorities.
Cross-Functional Leadership- Align product strategy with engineering, sales, operations, service, sourcing, and marketing functions.
- Support product launches through training, technical documentation, and market introduction activities.
- Act as the primary liaison between commercial and technical teams for product-related initiatives.
- Build alignment and drive execution across stakeholders without direct organizational authority.
Required Knowledge/Skills & Experience- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology, Industrial Automation, Business, or a related field; advanced degree preferred.
- 7+ years of experience in industrial automation, material handling, packaging equipment, manufacturing systems, or related capital equipment industries.
- Proven experience developing product strategies, technology roadmaps, pricing strategies, and new product development initiatives.
- Strong technical understanding of industrial automation systems, including controls, robotics, vision systems, conveyors, ASRS solutions, and systems integration.
- Working knowledge of warehouse and manufacturing software platforms, including WMS, WCS, ERP, and MES systems.
- Demonstrated ability to translate customer requirements into commercially viable technical solutions.
- Strong business acumen, including experience with pricing, margin analysis, business case development, and portfolio profitability.
- Excellent analytical, communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills.
- Proven ability to lead cross-functional initiatives and influence stakeholders without direct authority.
- Ability to travel as needed to support customers, strategic opportunities, market development, and industry events.
Leadership Imperatives/Competencies- Strategic thinking: Thinks strategically and makes decisions that support long-term business growth.
- Customer focus: Demonstrates strong customer focus while balancing business, operational, and financial objectives.
- Problem-solving: Uses sound judgment to solve complex problems and prioritize effectively.
- Communication: Communicates clearly and effectively with audiences at all levels of the organization.
- Trust: Builds credibility and trust through expertise, integrity, and follow-through.
- Collaboration: Collaborates across functions to achieve shared business objectives.
- Influence: Influences stakeholders and drives alignment without relying on direct authority.
- Change Management: Embraces change, innovation, and continuous improvement.
- Accountability: Holds self and others accountable for commitments, performance, and results.
- Results focused: Acts with urgency and ownership to deliver measurable business outcomes.
